Scholar Info

Marjorie Lyles

Professor

International Strategies of Mid-Sized Firms: A Comparison

Dr. Lyles' project examines the international strategies of mid-sized Indiana-based firms, their interest in China, the barriers and challenges they face in expanding into China, and what types of assistance they most need from the university community, the chambers of commerce, and from the government. This project has agreements with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Urban Institute, the Confucius Institute of IUPUI and the Kelley Center for International Business Education and Research. Professor Lyles' team will compare the results of the Indiana survey with the results of an equivalent survey being done in the Guangdong Province through IUPUI's partnership with Sun Yat-Sen University. This line of research has not typically addressed mid-sized firms, their motivations, and the antecedents for improving firm performance. This study will make theoretical contributions to the academic literature on Foreign Direct Investment decisions and contribute to Indiana's international economic development plans. Based on Dr. Lyles' findings, she will work with partners that specialize in trade to help Indiana businesses grow and explore opportunities in China. In addition, the survey will allow exploration of academic theoretical questions about outward foreign direct investment decisions by emerging market firms.